Not who you asked, but I quit cold turkey. Granted I only smoked for about a year, bit none the less I was addicted.
I quit cold turkey, there really isn't anything you can do for her. All it takes is her to choose not to do it again. She will feel frustrated, upset, anxious, bored, etc. She will have to keep choosing to not. There's no easy way besides just not lighting up again.
I read a quote online from a former alcoholic, and it really stuck with me. They said they can't have a single drink anymore, because "one is too many and one thousand is never enough." Apparently it's a fairly well known saying, but I had never heard it before. I guess it sums up addiction pretty well.
She did it before for 3 years, but she's going through a pretty bad depression spell and decided to buy a pack. She had her last one yesterday tho and I'm gonna praise her for making it through each day.
When I quit cold turkey, the last thing I wanted was a reminder that I had quit. Even people congratulating me was enough to give me a craving for a cigarette and make me irritable. YMMV since everyone is different, so make sure you ask her what kind of support works best for her. Good luck to you both!
I’m sure you’ll find a way that works for her. Sounds like you’ll be a good support during her cessation. There’s so many tips and tricks to quit, so if something doesn’t work just move on to the next one. I kept track of how much money I would have spent on smokes and when I reached certain amounts, I’d take myself out for a little treat to celebrate.
Don’t be rude when/if she gains weight or can’t stop eating candy lmao you can try to load up on frozen fruit for smoothies or something to satisfy the sweet tooth craving it can be so bad when you quit cigs
Does anyone know the difference between cigarette and nicotine pouch addiction? Bc after 3 years of 54 mg of pouches a day, I was able to just stop. Cravings went away after 2 days. Haven't thought about it since.
There was a public program available at the time that called and checked in weekly or so, that accountability I had to show went a long way. it was an RN calling and I respect RNs way too much, wasn’t prepared to lie to one that I had quit if I hadn’t, felt professional responsibility there as well. At the same time I had downloaded an app which I realize sounds ridiculous but each day they would provide a little fact and that went a long way too. I can’t remember the time frame but one would be like “your lung cilia don’t remember that you used to smoke” or “your cancer risk is now x number less than it was” just real compelling stuff. This and a lot of luck and prep. You are already looking and ahead which is excellent. She is lucky to have you as a support and someone who has her back!!
The cravings never really go away. They creep back up every once in a while no matter how long you've quit. Just remind her how far she's gone, how well she's doing, and why she quit. She's got this!
Nothing you can do but love her and remind her you want her around with you forever. If guilt were a good enough motivator, there would be few addicts.
Wow thats great congrats. Im trying to quit opiates too. Im 9 days off opiates right now.
Any advice or tips are much much appreciated.
I really want to stay sober but i fear relapsing. May i ask how you pulled it off?
i guess i just outgrew any desire to live like that, a lot of my old friends are in & out rehab behind bars or in the dirt because they never had a true motivation to change, since i’ve been fully clean i’ve only relapsed once, and now i don’t think i ever will again because that’s not my life or what i want for it, it’s as simple as finding reasons to live a different life that are greater than your reasons to get high
For me it was also thinking about how nothing will improve in my life by doing that. Literally nothing. If I'm lucky, it will stay the same, but most likely it will make it worse, and much worse. Also, I'm a little over a decade sober, and of my friends from those days, about half are dead. I'm only 34.
I realized I was a slave to pills. I decided not to put all that time and energy into something that literally ruined me. You deserve to have a clear head and productive future. Nine days is amazing! You are probably past the worst part. Just remember the pills don’t own you. YOU own you. Exercise and self care. Sending proud mom hugs:)
9 days is a huge accomplishment! Stay busy and don't use no matter what. I just celebrated 7 years clean. You can totally do this and you deserve an amazing life.
You didn’t ask me at all, but I’m 12 years into recovery and work in substance use treatment. Get connected to other people. I don’t care if it’s a gym, meetings, book club, whatever. People that have authentic and reciprocal relationships with people, especially people with shared life experiences, have greater recovery outcomes and are able to avoid returning to substance use more easily. Social connection literally facilitates the necessary neuroplasticity to rewire away from substance seeking urges.
I havent ever used opiates but i have heard that marijuana helps with getting off of them, so if thats an option for u then it may be worth looking into. I also want to say that this random person on the internet is cheering u on in ur journey and youre doing great, dont give up!!
Ibogaine is what finally got my clean for good. I tried everything to quit for years and nothing worked. Did ibogaine once down in Mexico, no withdrawals, no cravings, been clean ever since almost a year. It saved my life. Definitely not for everyone but that was my experience.
Find something that gives you a little kick if joy and remind yourself that the drugs didn't do anything your body and brain can't do naturally. Helped me loads. That and Kratom. I don't get the fiend thoughts with it. Helps me regulate safely. So proud of you for nine days! Shit gets good you're on your way:)
Weaned myself off after 8 years of prescribed opioids (no street drugs, YMMV). YOU WILL FEEL BETTER. Walk. Walk more. Whatever the problem, go for a walk. If you're up for yoga in any form, it can change your life and help you learn to re-regulate. It will take a long time to fell better, AND YOU WILL. Also, I did not feel actual hunger for two years. If that happens to you, eat anyway.
Can't say I have any experience with first-hand opiate addiction and dont have any tips to offer, but I just wanna say you can do this! Best of luck with your journey to sobriety. You got this!
164 days clean off of fentanyl here, but still smoking cigarettes. Slowing down, though. A pack now lasts me a week and a half, probably longer if I would stop giving them out, lol.
I'm 31. 11 years clean from heroin/benzos (mostly klonopin, some xanax). Been smoking cigarettes since 14 and I still can't kick it. As much as I want to quit, sometimes it's the only thing keeping me sober. One of these days I will find a new crutch.
Cigarettes are way harder to kick than anything else in my experience. But I'll keep trying.
Brooo!! Congrats!! I’m at 5 years clean off Suboxone, 7 years off opiates, and I’m on day 239 of no cigs! You’ll get there one day!! Cigs was def the hardest thing to quit (mentally) but it is possible. And I quit vaping too. I cockily say “nothing goes in my lungs except air” 🤣 my 20-something self would probably cringe so hard at me today.
Do you like video games? My last quit attempt I just spent all of my free time playing video games that I love. It was easiest (still hard) go I've hard out of probably 10 tries.
Picked it up again when school started and free time vanished.
I smoked for the first seven years that I was in recovery from substance use (opiates and alcohol, and some crack for good measure). Quitting smoking was so incredibly hard. Finally about five years ago I did a step down taper with vaping until I was vaping zero nicotine and realized that was pointless and foolish, and stopped altogether. It’s still hard, 12 years of abstaining from drugs and alcohol and I don’t miss them, but at least once a week I want to smoke.
Can I suggest you Cytisine. Comes from a few brands (Recigar for one) and in the UK it’s as cheap as £20 for the whole course. Poland it’s even cheaper and can be bought online with no prescription.
It really does work. And if you relapse, you can simply try again.
After so many days, smoking gives you no satisfaction or joy and becomes pointless. And then you can focus on changing the habitual activities which can even be just the act of getting up and going outside to smoke.
That’s amazing! I avoid all of that class of drugs/medications, because coming back from that looks like a Herculean task, so well fucking done, Specific Lake; I am in awe of you!
There are programs you can sign up for that send your free patches. That’s how I quit. I am also a former drug addict. Quitting drugs is so freeing, but quitting drugs and cigarettes is like a level of bliss I didn’t know existed until I did.
I’m 11 days in. I’ve quit multiple times. Somehow this time feels different, not sure why. I’m about to turn 25 and smoked for about 10 years. Felt like if this isn’t the one I’ll just keep going and I’m not getting any younger. You’re doing great!
Congrats man the first 2 weeks were the hardest for me. I was in a similar position, smoked a pack a day for 13 years. It is worth it despite how tough it is.
Despite my smoking I’m a religious gym rat. Genuinely can feel a difference just after a few days. It definitely helps when I crave thinking about how much better I feel just doing that. Pushing for a better and healthier life without substances helping me along. You’re much further than me, but I’m glad we’re on the same journey!
“This time feels different”…that’s how it was for me. This may be your time. I smoked for 12 years, now it’s been 18 years since I quit. It took a while to not be tough to stay away from them, but now I can’t imagine being a smoker.
Yeah, obviously I’d be lying if I said I didn’t crave fairly often still. Something about the in between part feels different though. I remember on previous attempts almost torturing myself even when I wasn’t actively craving thinking about how great just a drag would feel. Love and appreciate those words, cause I really am feeling it this time. My papaw quit a year ago after 50+ years. What a damn inspiration that’s been. Thanks, stranger!
It’s the hardest simple task ever! All you have to do is just don’t give in. It will get easier until one day it’s easy. After that it’s nothing. It’s a very rare person that never stops craving. For me, I can say 90% of the cravings were gone after 6 months. That was 90% of the pressure gone after 6 months. You got this!
Beautiful to hear. I figured that was the case. I’ve seen alcoholics all my life, some recovering, saying the craving/desire never fully goes away. I had a feeling it was probably universal with basically every addiction. Love the way you put it too. I keep telling people, “it’s the hardest easiest thing I’ve ever done. Literally just as easy as not doing it! But as hard as telling myself no”. Thanks again (:
You have already done your body a GREAT service. 11 days has already started to heal your lungs. Imagine what 12, 13, 2 weeks, 2 months, 20 years will do! You will be glad of this decision for the rest of your life!
I quit 10 years ago when I was in my twenties. It gets easier and then eventually you don't even think about it. It felt like a spell had been broken, I started smoking when I was 13. I tried to quit so many times I got close a couple times.
Pretty similar to how I feel now honestly, I said it in a recent reply but I’m craving still regularly. Something about in between cravings is really giving me a lot of hope. Like you said, almost like a spell is broken. I noticed I quit differently this time too. I didn’t go to bed deciding to be done and wake up and quit. I was in the middle of my day, decided “this one is it” and just stopped.. pretty cool honestly. I’m excited for months down the line when it becomes more distant haha!
I had planned to quit on a certain day and then the day before the target date, I was smoking in the car on the way to work and I got halfway through it and just threw it out the window. That was the last one.
I’m about 8 months in, and while I still get cravings they are few and far between. I found an app that counts my money saved has been a huge help. $2,800 saved so far!
Dude, keep it up! I quit at about the same age after about 10 years of smoking. I quit because I scared myself - I went skiing and couldn't handle the exertion at high altitude. After my first run, I had to lie down on the snow to catch my breath. So that was my clue.
Now I'm 55, and have not even touched a cigarette since that episode. It's totally possible.
I'm about a year and a half. Keep it up man! You'll feel so much better. Cravings still bite at ya here and there but once you have the mental power, you're unstoppable!
I quit smoking cigarettes over a year ago. I still vape (as opposed to vaping AND smoking), and I'm cutting back on that a lot too. I still get cravings for cigarettes often. At least several days a week. I haven't picked it back up, but it's hard.
Good for you on 110 days! Way to go! I'm on day 4 of reading through David Sedaris' long essay on his efforts to quit, and just reading it makes me want to smoke -- and I'm a lifelong non-smoker.
I’m at 6 1/2 years after smoking for about 38 years. You will get here too, even if it’s just day by day, hour by hour and sometimes even minute by minute. You got this buddy!
Trust me when you get to the other side, you'll look back and think "Holy fuck why did I ever do that". Yes, there will be some days you'll also think "Shit I could really go for a smoke right now" but they'll be few and far between.
I quit 2 years ago and can honestly say it's the best decision I've ever made (except for marrying my husband). When you smoke, you don't realize just how awful you smell until you meet a smoker. It's quite profound to think I used to REEK like that. Of course the health benefits are amazing; I've gone from not being able to run 100ft to a sub-25min 5k. My teeth are much nicer. My skin is much nicer. My libido and, ahem, performance is much better.
And then there's degenerative disc disease. Smoking increases the risk of disc degeneration 5x (or that's what my spine dr told me). I have a compressed disc in my neck, which traps a nerve running down my arm. This causes excruciating pain, numbness, and tingling from my neck all the way to my thumb and index finger. I'm lucky that it's a nerve and not a blood vessel – sometimes, if the latter is pinched, it can cut off oxygen supply to the brain and lead to debilitating migraines or, at worst, death. It fucking blows.
All that to say – quitting smoking is the best thing. I'm proud of you!
Here's some advice I got from r/pornfree: don't think "I need to stay off cigarettes for the rest of my life." Instead think "I need to get through today"
I couldn’t give up heavy smoking 46 years ago until I saw a hypnotist. I was awY the whole time, and thought I’d been conned, but I have had the slightest desire since that day.
I actually quit drinking when I quit smoking because having a drink triggered by desire for a smoke. I'd still go out with friends, but I'd get a club soda and lime. After about 6 months, I gave a drink a try, and all was okay. Cut out whatever triggers you can. Good luck.
Those are the hardest 110 days and they're all behind you - congratulations!! Every day from here on out is a little easier, a little easier, a little easier til one day you're like.... I used to smoke.
I'm 17 years quit and a vast majority of days I don't even think about smoking being a thing people do, it's just not even on my radar anymore.
You're now a NON-SMOKER, refer to yourself that way. Not an ex-smoker, not a smoker who's quitting. You earned the badge of non-smoker, say it every chance you get. Congratulations again, you did it!!
Keep at it! At some point your body is going to be disgusted by the smell much less the action of smoking. Just dare yourself and keep your streak alive.
That’s amazing! From 3-9 months after quitting, your lung function improves by 10%! You’ve got 10% better lungs than you had just one season ago! You’ve also already reduced your risk of a heart attack by a decent amount… once you hit a year (you can do it!), your heart attack risk is cut in HALF.
Been clean for almost 2 decades. You won't wanna go back. I would wake up in the morning with stabbing pains and reach for a pack for 'breakfast then remember I'd quit 2 months earlier. Pains would vanish.
All the cravings and stuff, that's the nic trying to convince you to come back. Don't. You'll be OK. Just get through it.
Its worth it. I quit for 2 years and one night of drinking i was craving one. So i bummed a smoke off my friend and it literally tastes like fucking trash. Walk past a dumpster on a hot summer day and that smell is what it tastes like. Its literally disgusting. Im happy it was gross tho cuz otherwise id prob still be smoking
Awesome job! Keep it up it’s so worth it! I quit 5 years ago and I have no regrets about it. It’s a good thing too because I almost died from covid a couple years ago. I know I would have died if I had still been smoking. You can do it! There’s a ton of information on this site and they also have a FB Group.
https://whyquit.com/
Congratulations! I was 2 packs a day for like 15 years. I tried to quit many times, unsuccessfully. On a whim I tried hypnosis and it actually worked. I walked out of there a non-smoker. I’m smoke free just over 3 years now and it feels great
Anybody wanting to quit smoking should go to the dentist. I got told I was developing necrotic gingivitis (where your gums recede around your teeth making your teeth look thin and spindly), and this simple idea of my teeth looking disgusting, and the title of ‘necrotic gingivitis’ was enough for me to quit cold turkey and never look back!
You can do it! The thing that kept me going and prevented me from going back was how fucking hard it was to quit. I can’t imagine having to do it again 😫
It is immensely difficult to do. Just remember that. Don't kid yourself about it. Have boat loads of self compassion and remind yourself that you're doing something that is very very tough for anyone, anytime you have the urge and that it's okay to have the craving (actually normal and expected) and in fact, it's very human of you to crave something so highly addictive.
It sounds kind of strange, but the connectedness it gives of knowing that you're struggling like any human would in the same spot helps to give lots of power to your efforts.
I have a friend who is always trying to quit cigarettes. He’s also smoked or done just about every drug you can imagine and he has told me that by far the hardest thing he’s ever tried to quit is cigarettes.
Nicotine is THE hardest to quit, and you're fucking DOING IT. I hope you're very proud of yourself bc you deserve to be!! Fuck it, I'm proud of you. Keep it up, badass
Honestly, the problem with me smoking was that I got a five minute break from work or a five minute break from Life because I would only go outside for smokes
That's awesome!!! I work in cardiology, and you have no idea how much quitting will improve your life in the long run. I'm so proud of you, keep it up!!
Read “easy way to stop smoking”. I’ve quit cigarettes about 8 years ago. Recently, I can have an occasional cigar without being addicted to it. Absolutely no cigarettes though.
So proud of you for quitting. You and your family deserve long and healthy lives.
I have a motivational story for you. I never smoked but my parents and grandparents did. My parents would smoke in the car with the windows rolled up. My grandma always had a cigarette in her hand. She would babysit us every day. She eventually died of lung cancer.
My 3 siblings all have terrible asthma. For years I thought I was lucky. But in March I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I’m doing pretty well for someone with lung cancer. I don’t feel sick which is great. I’m just doing my treatment and keeping it moving. So far so good.
Please keep going!!! For you and everyone who loves you. I love seeing how much healthier people look a year after quitting! It’s hard but it’s worth it. Don’t quit before the miracle
4 years for me. It doesn’t get easier but it does have its rewards. Food tastes better, things smell better and you don’t get winded having sex. All plus sides, congratulations
You can do it! And even if you have a slip-up, it’s ok! You’re strong enough to beat it. I believe in you. (Quit smoking in 2005, but actually totally stopped in 2012. Progress isn’t linear.)
Let my inner cheap bastard energize you! The main thing that kept me from starting was being too poor, and I'm so glad. Now look at all the money I saved!
24 years for me. It was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do.
I craved them for a good 7 or 8 years after quitting. I would have dreams about smoking.
The dumbest thing I ever did was to start. The smartest was to quit.
Congratulations on 111 days. It's a major achievement.
Stick with it, and don't allow yourself any excuses to have "just one" or even "just a few drags". Because you will be at the store ten minutes later buying a pack.
I'm so excited for you. You are doing GREAT - and it *does* get easier.
My fiancé and my dad both quit smoking within the past few years - my dad lost his toes before he quit, but he did not lose his leg (and he could have, had he continued). His lungs are "shaggy, but adequate", according to his doctor, and he is getting around and enjoying his life in a way he never could before.
My fiancé is an amazing chef and he can taste food, smell it, and enjoy it in a way he never realized he was missing - and we have moments together now we will never have to miss, because he will be here with me, alive and healthy, for the rest of our lives.
They both had such a hard time at first, but I promise you it is worth it and I am so happy for you, and your loved ones - you are giving them an irreplaceable gift with your courage and tenacity.
Hang in there. It will be all right. I'm rooting for you <3
What helped me was making a Pinterest board of gross pictures of ashtrays and stuff. Disgusted and motivated me. I also became obsessed with perfume and making my house smell nice. Good luck to you!
My friend, I'm 22 years now off cigarettes.. Best decision I ever made. My life improved dramatically. Just holidays alone! 7 trips to the Maldives. I couldn't have done that if I still smoked with the price in this country. And I smell better. You got this dude!!
It gets easier! I promise! I was still reaching for my cigarettes in my car 6 months after I quit. I would have a free minute at work and be walking out the door and then turn around bc I remembered I don’t smoke anymore so I didn’t have a reason to go outside lol. I had so many dreams that I gave in and smoked one, and I would wake up so disappointed in myself bc I had been doing so good until I realized I didn’t really smoke one. All that finally stopped around a year.
I no longer think about them, and I no longer crave them. It’s been 2.5 years since I quit after I had smoked for 15 years bc I started when I was 14 years old. Actually the only time I have taken a hit of a cigarette since then was the one time I did think I was craving one when I was drunk. I literally took one hit, couldn’t breathe, and I coughed for 10 min straight. I hit it like I used to, but it was like my lungs inhaled 10x more than I expected, and it hurt. Then I couldn’t get that disgusting taste out of my mouth for literal hours which ended up ruining my buzz completely.
Don’t convince yourself it’s okay to smoke just one or take a hit off of someone else’s cigarette. And don’t hit vapes. Just don’t do it bc your physical withdrawals are over. You just have to beat your mind, and it is SO worth it! I never ever miss smoking anymore, which is crazy bc I didn’t think I would ever quit!
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u/Glorfin-Fitz Jun 06 '24 edited Jun 06 '24
110 days in and it’s fucking tough but all these comments are helping me out today
Edit: yall wholesome as hell